THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI beg to give Notice that on Thursday I will ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is true as announced in the public papers this morning, that Colonel Stokes and M. de Lesseps have signed a document relating to the modification of the Suez Canal duties, and whether that modification has been approved of by the Khedive, the Porte, and the maritime Powers; and, whether the right hon. Gentleman will postpone the Report oil the resolution of last night until the House shall have some information upon the subject before it?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI can hardly see any reason for postponing it. There will be other proceedings of course in connection with this matter, by the introduction of a 685 Bill and so on, which will give plenty of opportunities for discussing the question.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONIt is hardly usual to take the Report of such an important Resolution at a late hour. After what hour will it not be taken?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI would rather wait until a little later in the evening before I say; but, of course, I should not press anything on against the wishes of the House. I however hope that I shall be allowed to take the Report of this Resolution, which follows upon the acceptance of the Vote. It will afterwards be necessary to consider the question of Ways and Means, and then there will be the introduction of a Bill which will have to pass through its various stages, so that there will be plenty of opportunity for discussing the matter. Besides, there are reasons which make it very desirable that time should not be lost; and therefore I propose to take the Report this evening, and I can hardly imagine that there will be any inconvenience arising from that course.